Charleston Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Charleston originates from the Old English 'Ceorles tun', meaning 'the settlement of Charles'. It has evolved through historical forms and is associated with Charles II of England. The name reflects traits of heritage and Southern culture, with no biblical relevance. Its popularity surged in the 18th century, particularly due to the city of Charleston, South Carolina. Variants include Charlie and Carl, and it is currently perceived as a name with historical significance and charm.
The name Charleston is most popular in South Carolina, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Charleston has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Charleston' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3663rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4199th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2734th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2215th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1970th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2757th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2344th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8192nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2155th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Charleston' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Charleston"
Pronunciation
/ˈtʃɑːrlstən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Charleston is derived from the Old English name 'Ceorles tun', which means 'the settlement of Charles' or 'Charles's town'. It is often associated with Charles II of England.
Meaning
Charles's town
Language Evolution
Ceorles tun, Charles Town, Charleston
Historical Usage
Charleston gained popularity in the 18th century, especially after the founding of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1670. The city became an important cultural and economic center in the American South.
Variants & Derivatives
Charlie, Charley, Carl
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Charleston is seen as a historic and charming city known for its rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and Southern charm. The name remains popular as a place name and a personal name.
Famous People
Charleston Heston, Charleston Hughes, Charleston Butler
Explore More Charleston Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Charleston"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Charleston"
"Charleston" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3663rd of 7545 | 79 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4199th of 6773 | 48 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2734th of 7552 | 171 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2215th of 10718 | 292 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1970th of 16616 | 565 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2757th of 24088 | 620 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2344th of 23106 | 692 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8192nd of 35406 | 213 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2155th of 30306 | 1,044 |
Regional Popularity of "Charleston" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
77.71% 2217th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
45.51% 1601st/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
27.03% 1404th/5194 |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
27.66% 2023rd/7313 |
67.40% 5030th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
27.50% 1876th/6822 |
54.99% 3451st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Charleston" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
72.69% 5316th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
56.07% 2234th/3984 |
92.78% 4163rd/4487 |
21.87% 1492nd/6822 |
59.32% 3723rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Charleston"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Charleston" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.